TLC SmartCab

by Evan Orensten

The TLC SmartCab promises to revolutionize the taxi experience for both drivers and passengers. New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission decided about two years ago that it was time for a technology upgrade, and results are just now hitting NYC's taxi fleet.

The TLC SmartCab was designed by Digital Dispatch and includes three elements: A GPS device, the Vector 530 Driver Information Monitor (above right), and the iView 8000 Passenger Information Monitor (above left).

In addition to GPS—which is something I've wished a driver has had more than once—the driver's route tracking is dramatically simplified. Instead of writing down each trip (often while driving) the logging is done automatically when the meter is started and stopped. At the end of their shift drivers simply print out a report of their fares, including GPS-provided start and stop locations. Other benefits include the ability for the TLC or the taxi fleet to send out system wide messages about traffic, accidents or the unpleasantness of NYC's ubiquitous street fairs. It also protects drivers because the taxis can be located at any time.

The Passenger's experience provides even more benefits. A touch screen monitor mounted into the back side of the front seat provides passengers with GPS-driven map data, fare information, live video, news and city information. When the trip is over the fare information is presented in large type with a tip calculator and a summary of additional costs. Best of all, you can swipe your ATM or credit card to pay the fare.

With increased fares and the fact that taking a taxi in NYC is no longer a bargain this is at least one benefit for passengers.

Battles

by Tim Yu

I haven't heard much from Battles, a math-hip-hop-rock super group, since I was dazed by their supersonic onslaught during the Surrounded by Silence Prefuse 73 tour some years back. But this 2 April 2007 they're releasing their single "Atlas" (digitally and on 12" vinyl) from their first full-length album, Mirrored, which is due out 15 May 2007 from Warp. They also just kicked off their world tour, which will be winding it's way through the U.S. and into Europe. Make sure to catch them if they come into your vicinity because they put on one of the most energetic live shows out there.

Battles consists of multi-instrumentalist Tyondai Braxton, drummer John Stanier (Helmet, Tomahawk), who plays his kit with an unusually high crash cymbal (right), guitarist/keyboardist Ian Williams (Don Caballero), and guitarist/bassist Dave Konopka (Lynx). This new album will be the the first time Battles incorporates vocals into their driving, hypnotic sound. We haven't heard the full length yet, but on "Atlas", Braxton digitizes and manipulates his voice to emulate a chipmunk of sorts, as drummer John Stanier maintains a clockwork beat that grounds Willams' texturizations. A truly original sound, NME comments, "when the world is invaded by robots in 2067 this will still sound ahead of its time."

Listen to "Atlas" and other tracks here and stay tuned for the release of Mirrored.

TateShots

by Ami Kealoha

Bringing the best of the Tate to cyberspace, TateShots is the unpretentious two month-old podcast covering the goings-on at the museum as well as backstories in the form of mini art history lessons, like the first issue's look at Rodin's "The Kiss." With artist interviews, artists commenting on other artists and events—including Matt Mullican's recent performance under hypnosis—each monthly installment of short videos offers the kind of immediate unprecedented access that's ideal for online distribution.

Also on Cool Hunting: Matt Mullican: i Life and i Death

Bonds Design Your Own Undies

by Lost At E Minor

The first 500 creative types to hit the Bonds website and choose a pattern, color and print have the opportunity to design their very own pair of Bonds superheroes underwear. Recently launched at Sydney's Fringe Bar at the "Dancing in my Bonds undies" event featuring models from Australia's Next Top Model, the "Design your own undies" initiative from Bonds demonstrates an innovative appreciation of personalized fashion. Perfect for cheeky gifts, each piece is individually numbered and accompanied by a certificate.

As loud, colourful undies from Sydney's Thousand Reasons continue to turn heads in boutiques across the globe we're sure some of the more outrageous prints will be popular with those who jump in and design their own.

The Bird And The Bee

by Ami Kealoha

Having won the favor of indie and dance music critics alike, I’m going to have to coin a new genre just for The Bird And The Bee. Ready? Retro-futurama-faux-bubblegum-pop. Like it? I do, like totally.

The Bird And The Bee’s self-titled debut sounds like Thom Yorke on massive doses of Prozac (and Progesterone) or maybe a Stereolab/Beach Boys collabo. Producer Greg Kurstin sprinkles happy bells, xylophones, triangles and spacious tambourines over Casiotonic drumbeats, warm (and sometimes fuzzy) analog-ish synth sounds and acoustic guitar strummings, weaving a magic wall-to-wall carpet under singer Inara George’s pure mellifluous vocals and intentional clichés.

The duo tempers their syrupy-sweet and contagious pop with lyrical ironies on songs like “F*cking Boyfriend” and “La La La.” And, despite their clean and pretty exterior, these songs are anything but unsophisticated. Jazz-inspired vocal arrangement, dub, motown, bossa nova, classical, crunk, new wave and jazz standards are only some of the ingredients in Kurstin and George’s ear-candy.

There aren’t any bad songs here and in general the choruses are the real payoff. “I’m A Broken Heart,” a lilting ballad told from the organ’s much neglected perspective, and “My Fair Lady,” a song about pining, are especially pleasing.

Out now on Blue Note/EMI Records, The Bird and The Bee's currently on tour with Lily Allen. Listen on their Myspace page. Order from Amazon or iTunes.

by DJ Scribe

New Balance Super Team 33, Stingray Collection

by Josh Rubin

At the New Balance factory in Skowhegan, Maine, production line team number 33 is made up of the 33 top associates in terms of both skill and commitment. This team has become known as Super Team 33 (ST33) and earlier this year began producing their own line of limited edition sneakers.

ST33's second collection is set to be released on 20 April 2007 and features designs from the NB Japan team that are crowned with Stingray leather. The lavish organic material is contrasted with tartan but overall is much more understated than the first ST33 designs which were in-your-face bright. This edition is built on the classic 1400 model running shoe, originally released in 1994.

Keeping with the theme, The ST33 Stingrays will only be released at 33 select retailers around the world. That list and many more pictures are after the jump.